It is estimated that more than 150 people die a year from a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to food. At least 40 deaths occur annually in the U.S. from reactions to insect stings. A severe allergic reaction occurs in .5 - 5% of the U.S. population a a result of insect stings.

Venom immunotherapy can prevent systemic reactions to stings in people with insect senitivites 97% of the time.

People who get allergic symptoms during the winter may be allergic to mold spores. Molds remain outside much longer than pollen, and may be indoors year-round.

More than 35 million Americans have chronic sinusitis, making it one of the most common chronic health conditions in the U.S.

Allergic drug reactions account for 5 - 10% of all adverse drug reactions, with skin reactions being the most common form.

Penicillin is a common cause of drug allergy. Anaphylactic reactions to penicillin cause 400 deaths a year.

Itchy rash (allergic dermatitis) is the most common skin condition in children younger than age 11. The percentage of children diagnosed with allergic dermatitis has increased from 3% in the 1960s to 10% in the 1990s.

Hives (acute urticaria) is common, affecting 10 - 20% of the population at some time in their lives. Half of those affected continue to have symptoms for more than 6 months.

References

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Allergy Statistics. Bethesda, MD: Office of Communications and Public Liaison. 2004 Dec.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Allergy and Asthma Information Resources: Allergy and Asthma Statistics. Bethesda, MD: Office of Communications and Public Liaison. 2007 Feb.